Josh, 21, performed Sande’s emotional top five hit “Clown” in a bid to be one of the six boys judge Nick Grimshaw takes through to the next stage of the competition.

In the Six Chair Challenge stage of the show, each judge cuts their category down to six finalists by granting one a seat on stage if they are considered good enough. When all six seats are taken but a better choice comes along, a seated contestant can be swapped out of their seat - and possibly out of the ITV competition for good.

Before tonight’s edition, car mechanic Josh hinted at fireworks, tweeting: “I’m singing Emeli Sande Clown, and there’s more drama than you can shake a stick at! #XFactor”. And after all that drama, his performance was enough to persuade Radio One presenter Grimshaw, 31, to put the Teessider through.

Josh’s success continues Teesside’s amazing run in the show, with the likes of Journey South, Amelia Lily, Abi Alton and 2012 winner James Arthur among those to have featured prominently over the years.

Last year, Norton singer Kerrianne Covell made it through to judges’ houses but wasn’t selected by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini for her final three.